Unbeaten Arsenal in crisis?

You would never believe that Arsenal is still unbeaten in the league? There are two reasons why I say this. One, because their performances this season have been so poor and secondly the reaction from some of their fans after today’s match (31.8.14) would have you believe that there is no hope for the club this season and that this assessment has been made after a mere 270 minutes of football.

Well, on the first point, the club’s performances against Palace at home and their two away games versus Everton and Leicester were pretty poor. Arsenal struggled to break a Palace team who, just 24 hours earlier, had lost their manager Tony Pullis. Then against Everton they really were not at the races but somehow managed to come out of the game with a point. Today against Leicester, Arsenal lacked pace and movement. In fact, they were so slow it was embarrassing. One of my friends on Twitter (affectionately known as FK) hit the nail on the head when he tweeted “As admirable it is to give Sanogo opportunities, you have to provide Ozil, Sanchez and Ramsey a top-class CF to flourish.” Sanogo is only 21 years old and with Giroud’s injury there is far too much responsibility placed on this unproven player’s shoulders. Against Leicester, Arsenal lack pace and movement and the fact that the likes of Campbell, the Ox and Podolski were left on the bench for so long only served to infuriate watching Arsenal fans. Was Wenger being pig-headed or did he get it tactically wrong?

It is funny how people’s views can be formed after such few games but on this occasion I think there is justification behind these concerns; justification because many Arsenal fans know that they are only a world class player or two away from doing something really special this year. If Arsene does not get Cavani or Falcao within plus one of a plethora of quality midfielders currently still available, their season will be one long period of frustration and depression for Arsenal fans. A top 4 finish is still a real possibility – they might even win a cup. As for Champions League, the Gunners should qualify from the group stages but the last 16 will again be where they fall. I personally cannot believe Wenger did not get Remy. He would have done a fabulous job and knows where the goal is. I wonder what surprise is in store for Arsenal fans in the last 24 hours of the transfer window. Who do you think Arsenal will sign?